Hi, Linda,
I could sit here and give you a bunch of pros and cons about various options such as job vs work for yourself but that wouldn't really be helpful.
Instead let me share with you some wisdom I've gained over the years. No matter which path, or paths, you take in life, there will be risks. You can work for someone else and be within a few months of having your retirement funds vested and then the company closes and your retirement plans are shattered.
You can work for yourself and have huge success and then a downturn in the economy has you wondering where the car payment is going to come from.
Basically I'm saying that no matter what direction you go there will be risks. Accept that. Then evaluate the best case and worst case scenarios and decide which ones you'd rather deal with if need be.
The same people who wouldn't bet on the horses will go out and place hard won funds into the hands of an investment banker and gamble on returns. Both are gambling but one doesn't feel like it and one does to any individual. The horse bettor says 'It's just entertainment money I'd spend anyway', the investor says 'I'd rather not lose but if I win the potential win is huge'.
Look at the pros and cons on each choice, then number them 1-5 depending upon how important each item is to you. If something is absolutely critical, circle it. Total each side, evaluate the scores, and end up going with your hunches...because that's what you wanted to do all along. You'll make the same decision but you'll feel justified in acting on it.
Bottom line: it doesn't really matter...just DO SOMETHING. If it works for you, fine. If not, just begin again. Behind every successful person there is a line of 'not quite', 'almost', and 'what was I thinking of' experiences.
Important thing is: don't be afraid to strike off on your own or work in a traditional work environment. When you can look at the alternative choice and be happy you are where you are, your search is over and your decision has been made, at least until such time as your thinking or circumstances change.
Hope this makes some sense and is helpful.
Sandi Bowman
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